Southbridge hit by new arson attempts

Thursday

May 15, 2014 at 6:00 AMMay 15, 2014 at 2:51 PM

By Brian Lee TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

SOUTHBRIDGE — There were two attempted arsons of cars in the Randolph Street neighborhood, causing minimal damage, and a home on nearby Liberty Street was broken into and police found evidence of an attempt to light a fire, investigators said.

It had not been determined if those incidents, all on Saturday night, were connected to eight fires that were set in the Cohasse Street neighborhood on April 12 and 13 and May 6, authorities said. The two areas are not particularly close to each other.

Police responded to a report of a car break-in to find that some items inside the car had been burned, Fire Chief Mark W. DiFronzo and Police Chief Daniel R. Charette said in a statement.

They found another car in the same lot in which items had been burned, investigators said.

The fires are under investigation by the fire and police departments, and by state police assigned to the state fire marshal's office.

"We want the public to be aware of these fires and to protect themselves by making sure all of their property is locked and secured," Chief DiFronzo said. "Neighbors should keep an eye on each other's property and report any suspicious activity."

Police have increased patrols in the neighborhood.

"We need the eyes and ears of the public to catch the person or people responsible for these fires," Chief Charette said. "We urge you to call 911 if you see anything or anyone suspicious or out of place."

Anyone with information about the fires should call the Police Department at (508) 764-5420, the Fire Department at (508) 764-5430 or the statewide Arson Hotline at 1-800-682-9229.